How To Remove SurfBoost From Your Mac [Complete Guide]

SurfBoost is a browser hijacker that subtly infiltrates your web browser, altering settings without explicit permission and disrupting your online experience.

Typically masquerading as a helpful tool that promises to enhance browsing speed and efficiency, SurfBoost instead exerts control over your search engine, homepage, and even your browsing history.

This article will explore the characteristics of SurfBoost, detail its intrusive behaviors, and provide a comprehensive guide on how to effectively remove it from your system.

Let’s get started!

Introduction to SurfBoost browser hijacker

SurfBoost is a type of malware that is categorized as a browser hijacker. When installed on your computer, it modifies your browser’s settings, including your default search engine, which becomes SurfBoost Search.

The purpose of this hijacker is presumably to generate revenue through advertising and redirecting search queries to specific sites.

Understanding how SurfBoost works

SurfBoost operates by attaching itself to your browser as an extension or an app. Once established in your system, it starts manipulating your browser’s behavior.

The key to its operation is in redirecting your search queries through SurfBoost Search, which, in turn, directs you to Yahoo’s search results. This tactic is believed to generate advertising revenue, leveraging Yahoo’s search results.

Moreover, SurfBoost does not limit itself to search engine manipulation.

It has strategies to increase ad exposure, such as opening new browser tabs that display ads. These ads sell software, push false updates, or promote tech support scams.

Signs of SurfBoost installation

Detecting SurfBoost on your computer may rely on observing specific changes in your browsing experience.

The most notable initial difference is that your default search engine switches to SurfBoost. In line with this, your browser’s search queries get redirected through SurfBoost Search.

You may also find the SurfBoost extension or program installed on your computer.

Lastly, you will likely experience interruptions like ads opening in new tabs and proposed software deals, among other intrusions.

Steps to remove SurfBoost from your Mac

Should your Mac fall victim to the SurfBoost browser hijacker, fear not, as there are clear steps you can follow to rid your system of this intrusive program.

It involves a multi-step process that needs to be followed in the correct order for successful malware removal.

Remove malicious profiles from the system

The first step in eradicating the SurfBoost threat is locating and removing any malicious profiles the hijacker may have created on your Mac. These profiles often masquerade as device management settings, granting unauthorized control over system settings to remote entities, thereby enabling the continuous functioning of the browser hijacker.

1. Open System Settings and locate the Profiles section under the Privacy & Security tab.
2. Review the configuration profiles and pinpoint any suspicious ones you wish to delete.
3. Click the ‘-‘ (minus) button and confirm the action to remove SurfBoost from the config altogether.

Remove the SurfBoost application

After purging your Mac of malicious profiles, the next step is eliminating SurfBoost directly from your computer.

This requires diving into your system files and removing the SurfBoost-related program or extension.

Follow these procedures to identify and eliminate any potentially harmful applications and files that could have been installed on your Mac.

Note: These instructions apply to any Mac device, whether a MacBook Air, Mac mini, MacBook Pro, or iMac.

Uninstalling apps via Finder

1. Open Finder and navigate to the Applications folder.
2. Review the installed programs and look for SurfBoost. If you cannot find it, identify any unwanted or questionable application.
3. Right-click on the app you want to delete; choose Move to Trash or drag it into the Trash can.
4. Empty the Trash.

Uninstalling apps via Launchpad

1. Open Launchpad and look for SurfBoost. If you cannot find it, identify any unwanted application or such that looks suspicious.
2. Press the ⌥ (Option) key until the app icons start shaking.
3. Click the [X] icon next to the app to remove it. Then empty the Trash bin.

Use SpyHunter for Mac to remove SurfBoost

An essential measure towards securing your Mac from SurfBoost is leveraging the capabilities of a proven malware removal tool like SpyHunter.

SpyHunter for Mac provides a robust, user-friendly solution for scanning your system and banishing any signs of the SurfBoost browser hijacker.

To ensure the ongoing safety of your Mac, follow these steps:

• Download SpyHunter for free hereDownload SpyHunter for free here and follow the installation instructions.
• Once installed, an automatic scan will identify any remaining malware on your Mac.
• Follow SpyHunter’s instructions to quarantine the threats, keeping your device safe.

Remove SurfBoost from web browsers

Finally, purge the lid on SurfBoost’s unwelcome presence from your browsers.

Safari, Chrome, and Firefox often serve as conduits for the SurfBoost browser hijacker. Hence, it is essential to comb through each browser’s extensions, add-ons, and plug-ins, purging any components related to SurfBoost.

Pay close attention to your default search engine settings to ensure they revert to your preference.

Steps for Safari

1. Open Safari and select Preferences from the drop-down menu.
2. Click on the Extensions tab.
3. Locate the SurfBoost Safari extension and remove it.

Steps for Google Chrome

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. In the address bar, type in chrome://extensions
3. Find the SurfBoost Chrome extension and remove it.

Steps for Mozilla Firefox

1. Open Firefox.
2. In the address bar, type in about:addons
3. Find the SurfBoost Firefox extension and delete it.

Advanced options to remove SurfBoost

If the basic steps outlined above don’t remove SurfBoost, or if the browser hijacker has manipulated and greyed out your browser settings, there are advanced steps you can take to eliminate this infuriating malware from your Mac.

Workaround for greyed-out Safari homepage

Occasionally, SurfBoost may modify your system so that Safari’s homepage setting appears greyed out, preventing you from changing it.

In such cases, consult an advanced guide for dealing with Safari browser hijacks, as the instructions might differ based on your MacOS version and how SurfBoost has affected your system.

Delete Safari’s preferences file

Another advanced step involves deleting Safari’s preferences file. By doing this, you’ll reset all settings to their defaults.

However, be warned that you’ll also lose browser history, bookmarks, and other user-specific configurations for Safari.

Remove unwanted policies from Chrome

SurfBoost may have created undesirable policies in Chrome, which can result in unwanted searches and redirects. These can be identified and removed through Chrome’s policy viewer, effectively restoring proper control of your browser’s settings.

Remove the “Managed by your organization” policy from Chrome

If your Chrome indicates it’s “Managed by your organization,” there’s a possibility that SurfBoost is still hiding within your system. Specific procedures can remove this and ensure total eradication of SurfBoost from your Mac.

Reinstall Google Chrome

In some instances, completely reinstalling Google Chrome may be necessary to remove SurfBoost entirely.

By doing this, you will remove any residual files or extensions that could be sustaining its presence.

Remember to back up any essential bookmarks or history before performing such an operation.

Reset Firefox settings to default

A complete settings reset for Firefox can help users dismiss any lingering traces of SurfBoost.

This step will return Firefox to its default settings while preserving essential user data like bookmarks, browsing history, open tabs, windows, passwords, cookies, and web form auto-fill information.

Precautions against SurfBoost

While SurfBoost can be annoying and potentially dangerous, there are proactive steps one can take to protect their Mac from this browser hijacker.

These preventive measures help users maintain their preferred browser settings and ensure a hassle-free online experience.

Pay attention during software installations

Software installations are a typical road that SurfBoost uses to infiltrate your system.

Often bundled as an addon with other software installers, SurfBoost manages to install itself without making its intentions known to the user. Thus, a user might unknowingly agree to this change.

To prevent this, paying close attention during software installation processes is vital to ensure you only install what you genuinely want and need.

Opt for custom installation

One way to better control what gets installed on your computer is by choosing the custom installation option.

Unlike the express (or standard) installation option, custom installation allows you to review and modify the components you agree to install on your system.

Thus, unwanted extras like SurfBoost can be excluded from installation, fortifying your defense against unwanted browser modifications.

Avoid unfamiliar software downloads

Another good practice is to avoid installing unknown software, particularly from an unverified source. If you are not confident in a software’s trustworthiness, desisting from installing it is safer.

This applies to optional software that you never intended to download or install. Understanding what you download helps defend your Mac from SurfBoost and other similar threats.